Sail & Explore the Algarve, Portugal Onboard a Tall Ship
- Vessel: Blue Clipper
- Where: Portimão,Portugal
- Duration: 8 days
- Embark: Portimão - 26 September 2024, 14:00
- Disembark: Portimão - 3 October 2024, 10:00
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Sail with tall ship Blue Clipper to explore the Algarve coast of Portugal and the Spanish coast of Andalusia.
Your tall ship sailing adventure on Blue Clipper begins in the traditional harbour city of Portimao. Traditionally known for its ship-building and sardine fishing, this beautiful city still retains its heritage charm and is a great place to begin your sailing holiday in Portugal.
Enjoy some Autumn sunshine as you explore the dramatic coast of the Algarve and the rolling hillsides of Andalusia. Experience stunning mountains, the air full of the scent of eucalyptus and traditional ancient villages as well as warm wind sailing and good mix of time under sail and time ashore.
- Fully Crewed tall ship
- Winter sunshine
- Coastal sailing
- Great for couples or solo travellers
- En-suite cabins
- Suitable for beginners
- Traditional tall ship sailing experience
- Full Board
- Tickets & Booking
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Kit list
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
YOUR SAILING AREA
Portugal & Spain
Your skippered sailing holiday in Portugal will not run a fixed itinerary to make best use of the wind but there are plenty of traditional harbours and natural wonders to explore.
Discover the fascinating caves and cliff formations of the Algarve region, spending time walking the dramatic coastline and taking the boats paddle-boards to discover caves off the beaten track. The world famous Benagil Cave is located in the district of Lagos and was named one of the Top 10 Coolest Caves by Huffington Post in 2014. It’s not accessible by foot and swimming out to it would be very dangerous, so entry is only possible by boat – making it the perfect spot for Blue Clipper to anchor up and explore.
The ancient city of Cádiz is almost entirely surrounded by water. This Andalusian port city boasts 3000 years of history, reflected in ancient buildings lining the waterfront. Cobbled medieval streets spill out into whitewashed Spanish plazas and Roman ruins. Home of the Spanish Navy, Cádiz is a 16th century port city that was once a base bustling hotspot for exploration and trade for ships passing through the Gibraltar Strait. It has more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used for spotting ships.
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The main focus of this voyage is to explore the Algarve coast of Portugal and the Andalusian coast of Spain. There are many harbours and Nature Reserves dotted all along the coast and the Ocean winds make for some great sailing opportunities. The wind and weather will determine your route so it is never 100% guaranteed that all locations mentioned will be reached. The skipper and crew will have a better idea of what to expect from the weather as you board.
All voyages for Blue Clipper
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Built-in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.
She has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean. Originally owned by the Brandy company Hennessy and named ‘Spirit of Hennessey, she appeared in many TV programmes and commercials before being privately bought in the late 90’s.
On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing, heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills, and even taking the helm. She has 3 kayaks and 3 paddle boards for guest use while on anchor so you can explore even further inshore.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Read more about Life on Board Blue Clipper here.
Deck plan
More about Blue ClipperLife on board Blue Clipper
Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is a luxury tall ship experience. Perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for that added touch of luxury with private en-suite cabins and top-notch food.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgable crew are always on hand to show you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes – there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch!
Eating on board
Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board too so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a days sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish and home-made bread with hearty home-cooked meals and plenty of tea, coffee and cake!
Sleeping and relaxation
Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is certainly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this and buoyancy vests are also provided.
Read more about what to expect from a typical day and life onboard Blue Clipper.
As with all Blue Clipper’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot/soft drinks. There are six ensuite twin cabins with all bedding and towels provided per guest.
Things to note
SAILING VS SHORETIME
NIGHT WATCHES?
Kit list
Blue Clipper has plenty of space within the cabin (including hanging space) to put your things away but no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Waterproof boots or wellington boots (dependent on weather forecast)
- Swimsuit and swim towel (optional)
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers
- Sun cream (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
- Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binoculars
- Personal wash kit (please consider reef safe, eco products where possible)
- ‘Smidge’ midge repellent
- EU 2pin plug adaptor
- Charging cables for personal devices
- A good book to read!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
Travel Documents
- Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.
What’s Included
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Use of boats kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards
What’s not included
- Alcohol
- Waterproof coat or trousers
- All flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.
FAQ
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Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft/hot drinks)
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know when making your booking.
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Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for alcohol.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
6x Twin Ensuite Cabins.
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Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, each cabin has a porthole.
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.
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Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
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Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, but you can bring a travel hair dryer if you wish.
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Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No. there is no guest laundry facilities aboard.
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Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?
Yes, there is heating throughout the boat.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What language is spoken onboard?
English
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Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes - please bring EU adaptors.
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What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling.
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
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How do I get on and off the boat?
Blue Clipper is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
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Are Waterproofs provided?
No.
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.
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Does the boat have any water toys?
She has 3 kayaks and 2 stand-up paddle boards for guests to use free of charge.
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Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
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Is there an age limit?
Over 12's for normal voyages. No age limit for private charters.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Portimão
To: Portimão
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
GETTING THERE
Portimao
BY AIR
Faro Airport requires taking a 45-50 minute taxi ride to [Doca Pesca] Parchal. This could cost in the region of £60-£75. This is much easier than multiple changes on public transport. You can fly direct to Faro from a number of airports in England.
STAY IN PORTIMAO
There are plenty of places to stay in Portimao. Try Colina Da Lapa & Villas, Flor da Rocha or Quinta Aida Cottages and B&B Suites.